Keeper leagues are becoming more and more of a popular format in fantasy hockey these days. Each year we see a new class of “keeper worthy” players emerge that draw heavy attention from competitive managers. Last season, we saw names like Nicklas Backstrom, Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews enter this elite group and so far this season, we’re seeing another class begin to form that managers will have to take into consideration when deciding upon returnees for next season. Here is a look at some players to consider keeping for next season that may have been a later round pick or a waiver-wire steal for you this year:

Jeff Carter – Center
Carter has been one of the biggest surprises in the first half of this season. He has registered 30 goals so far this season which is second only to Alex Ovechkin’s 31. Mike Richards and Danny Briere, who were both keeper favorites among managers last season, have to compete with Carter for fantasy popularity this season. Being a center, it may be difficult to hang on to Carter, especially if you’re concerned about the balance of your team. However, with Philadelphia’s high powered offense, it could be in your favor to bring him over if your league weighs in heavily on goal scoring.

Andrei Kostitsyn – Left Wing
The eldest Kostitsyn had high expectations placed on him this season and has yet to disappoint thus far. Despite missing time with an injury, Andrei has put up 28 points (16 goals, 12 assists) and has a +8 rating. Like we’ve mentioned before, it pays to have players from good teams and Montreal is as good as they come these days. AK-47 has played the top line in both even strength and power play situations and looks to be a major factor in the success of the Montreal Canadiens in the second half of the season.

Devin Setoguchi – Right Wing
Devin Setoguchi plays for the top team in the West and has put up impressive numbers in the first half of the season. Like Kostitsyn, Setoguchi has well-rounded production with 21 goals and 23 assists. Alongside his 44 points, he carries a +16 rating which is a prime example of some of one of the benefits of having a player from a good team. Setoguchi should continue to see significant power play time and should merit consideration at your right wing keeper slot, especially with Jonathan Cheechoo under-performing yet again.

Shea Weber – Defense
The potential has always been there for Shea Weber and it’s too bad that the year Nashville has struggled considerably he erupts with 32 points heading into the All-Star break. He has 14 goals (which is tops among defenders) and 18 helpers with a +6 rating. Anchoring Nashville’s power play has led to 6 goals coming with the man advantage and 140 total shots. Managers should be excited about bringing over Weber to next season as he should have a productive career in the NHL for many years to come.

Steve Mason – Goaltender
Maybe the biggest surprise in all ’08-’09 fantasy hockey play is rookie goaltender Steve Mason. This kid began the season in Syracuse and had no intentions of becoming an NHL starter this early on in his career. An injury to Pascal Leclaire, however, changed the situation in Columbus and the team is currently working hard towards their first playoff birth in franchise history. Mason has 18 wins, a 2.04 GAA, and a .926 save percentage. He also leads the NHL with 6 shutouts this season. Columbus is improving year in and year out and with Leclaire’s future with the franchise in question, Mason should be of serious consideration heading into the off-season.

Mikko Koivu – Center
Mikko Koivu has 33 helpers and 46 points to lead the Minnesota Wild this season. He’s their top center, their captain, and could be the future of the Wild with Gaborik’s return in question. Koivu’s strongest category has been in the face-off circle with 521 wins this season ranking him a 4th in the league. He’s certainly worth consideration if you’ve concentrated your efforts on your keeper wings this season and are somewhat thin with big names at center.

David Booth – Left Wing
The Florida Panthers were not supposed to be a strong team this season but thanks to players like David Booth, they are fighting for their first playoff berth in 9 years. So far, the 24 year old left winger has 19 goals and 31 points with a +9 rating while sliding back and forth between the top two lines. Wingers are hard to come by in deeper fantasy leagues and Booth, who is making a solid case for a permanent top line position in Florida, could certainly help you fill one of your spots. Keep an eye on the Panthers as they have a number of talented prospects coming up through their system and much like the Blue Jackets, are getting better and better with each season.

Bobby Ryan – Right Wing
Ever since this kid was drafted 2nd behind Sid the Kid in the 2005 NHL Draft, he’s had high expectations placed in front of him. Ryan began the season playing in the AHL but because of an injury to Teemu Selanne, he got his shot and he hasn’t disappointed since. He has 16 goals and 16 assists in 32 games this year with 13 of those points coming on the power play. Though he’s played a NHL game prior to this season, Ryan is still classified as a rookie, so skeptical fantasy managers should keep the “sophomore slump” in mind as they make their keeper decisions in the off-season. Nonetheless, Ryan has been as highly touted as prospects come and he could very well be the next NHL young gun that takes this league by storm.